Urban and metropolitan studies junior Connor Descheemaker stands in Modified Arts where he has curated an exhibit in downtown Phoenix. Descheemaker is also the Downtown Devil director of community initiatives. (Photo by Dominic Valente)The gallery assistant at Modified Arts, a curatorial intern at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, a blogger at Vanishing Phoenix, the director of community initiatives at the Downtown Devil — sounds like four different people, right? Not in this case. In this case, downtown Phoenix’s own artistic ambassador Connor Descheemaker takes on all of these roles, and he plans to move mountains one day.
An urban and metropolitan studies junior minoring in urban planning, Descheemaker is also an information hub for anyone interested in learning about downtown Phoenix’s vibrant community that thrives on art and involvement.
Ever since he developed a soft spot for the art district’s seemingly magical music venues and art galleries at the ripe age of 13, Descheemaker just can’t seem to stop working at improving the city’s artistic reputation and increasing community involvement.
“I would say it all started because of music … and it was an interesting thing, because there were music venues that doubled as arts venues that doubled as art studios that doubled as living spaces that doubled as restaurants," Descheemaker said. "All of it was happening."
A seven-year veteran of the area, Descheemaker has been around the block a number of times, his most recent being June 21 when he curated his first show through Modified Arts for Randal Wilson. For him, curating is how he expresses himself creatively.
A piece of art for local artist Randal Wilson’s show, “Relax its Just Life.” Randal Wilson’s show at Modified Arts not only showcases paintings but pieces of furniture, as seen here. (Photo by Dominic Valente)“It’s really exciting to be able to think critically about art and choose something that you think is special and then share that with other people,” Descheemaker said. “When you put together a great show, I think it’s just another kind of creativity to painting or something like that. It’s a of way choosing from this wide body of things and narrowing your focus.”
The name of the show, “Relax It’s Just Life,” featured paintings and furniture by Randal Wilson, with some collaborations from his partner, Casebeer, one of Descheemaker’s favorite local artists.
Descheemaker said his favorite piece in Wilson’s mixed media collection is “Get Just” because of its strong element of this mixed media theme and overall cohesiveness.
The show took place on Third Friday, what could be described as a more sophisticated and affluent gathering of attendees compared to the hustle and bustle of First Friday, and brought in around 400 art supporters. It will run until July 13.
“It’s very important that this place be a community, and the the only way to do this is going to each other’s shows and talking about what works and doesn’t work,” Descheemaker said.
Currently, Descheemaker is seriously interested in helping downtown transition from its reputation as “where the hippie artists are” to a place that really does have quality work comparable to Scottsdale’s gallery scene. A prime example of this is the Phoenician Award nomination that Modified Arts recently received for “best art gallery” alongside the acclaimed Bentley Gallery and two other Scottsdale galleries.
“This shows that, you know, we can play the game and do the same sort of thing,” Descheemaker said.
For Descheemaker, his hard work seems to be paying off, and he is excited to see what the future will bring.
“I have to say that it’s sort of surreal to be working at a place that I went to shows at when I was 16 years old, to be able to walk in the front doors, turn on the lights and show off something," he said. "It’s pretty cool.”
Reach the reporter at kgumpert@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @cat2bekittenmee
